'Not so!' said Pellmelli; and he cried aloud another name—the name of a poetaster—which was almost strange to us.

   Then followed through that vasty hall a sharp and rattling crash, as of the descent of innumerable slates.

   'Great heavens!' whispered Leonora, 'remember the writing;

    the place where they slate strangers

   !'

   As

    we

   were strangers, and wholly unknown to the Lo-grollas, we thought they might slate

    us

   , and, beating a hasty retreat, soon found ourselves with Pellmelli in the dark outer air.

   'They are a desperate lot,' said he; 'they won't ever put anything in the Budget.'

   He was quivering with indignation; and Leonora, to soothe him, told him the story of our quest for the mummy, and asked him if he could help us.

   'We are your man,' said he. 'We propose to-morrow to send our representative to interview a magician who has just arrived in this country. He is a mysterious character; his name is Asher,

    21

   and it is said that he is the Wandering Jew, or, at all events, has lived for many centuries. He, if any one, can direct you in your search.'

    21

   Pronounced

    Assha

   .—

 Prev. P 28/57 next